Audi is using the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a launching pad for its latest performance machine. Based on the Q5crossover platform, the (long-rumored) SQ5 boasts 313 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque from its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine to move its not insignificant mass to 60 miles per hour in just five seconds.

Top speed comes in at 155 miles per hour, limited we presume, and, just as importantly, fuel mileage on the European cycle is listed at 7.2 liters per 100 kilometers (32.67 U.S. miles per gallon). As a reminder to the occupants that this is no ordinary oil burner, Audi has added a so-called sound actuator – a loudspeaker, according to the press release – to pump exhaust noise into the interior atmosphere.

An eight-speed Tiptronic transmission sends all that torque to all four 20-inch wheels shod in 255/45 rubber. The body has been lowered 1.18 inches closer to the tarmac for improved handling, and Audi's dynamic steering system is optional. Exterior updates are limited to the wheels, a sportier fascia treatment and aluminum-look mirrors. On the inside, expect sporty touches like leather and Alcantara seats, a new steering wheel design and a bunch of S badging.

This is Audi's first diesel-powered S model, meaning the company is joining fellow German automaker BMW into the torque-filled performance well for European buyers. Pricing starts at €58,500 for those living across the pond, and deliveries will begin in the first part of 2013. We're not expecting to see this one come Stateside.

Want to know more? Check out our high-resolution image gallery above, then peruse the official press release and watch the video below.

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The new Audi SQ5 TDI: Twin-turbo V6 diesel with 313 hp

The SQ5 TDI is the brand's first S model with a diesel engine Zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.1 seconds, average fuel consumption of just 7.2 liters per 100 km (32.67 US mpg)

In conjunction with the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Audi is presenting the new top model of its recently revised Q5 model series – the Audi SQ5 TDI. Boosted by two turbochargers, its 3.0 TDI produces a brawny 230 kW (313 hp) and 650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft) of torque between 1,450 and 2,800 rpm. The Audi SQ5 TDI will roll into dealerships in the first quarter of 2013 and is the first S model in the history of Audi with a diesel engine.

The powerful TDI, which displaces 2,967 cc, uses a twin-turbo design in which the two turbochargers are connected in series via a flap. Cylinder head cooling, the timing and lift of the intake cam shafts, the pistons, their oil-jet cooling and the piston pins have been specially designed for the high-performance concept. The common rail system develops as much as 2,000 bar of pressure and injects as many as eight shots of fuel into the cylinders per cycle. The 3.0 TDI biturbo has a great sound. This sound is further modulated by a sound actuator in the exhaust system – a loudspeaker in short side channel.

The Audi SQ5 TDI sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.1 seconds; top speed is 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Fuel consumption is on average just 7.2 liters per 100 km (32.67 US mpg). Innovative thermal management, the start-stop system and the regulated oil pump all contribute to this top figure. A fast and smooth-shifting eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive with torque vectoring transfer the power of the brawny V6 diesel to the road.

The electromechanical power steering in the Audi SQ5 TDI is sensitive and highly efficient. The sport suspension lowers the vehicle body by 30 millimeters (1.18 in). The standard 20-inch wheels feature a five parallel-spoke design and are fitted with 255/45 tires. Audi offers optional wheels measuring 21 inches in diameter. The black brake calipers on the front axle sport S badges. The optional Audi drive select system can be expanded upon request to include the dynamic steering system with its steplessly variable steering ratio.

The most eye-catching design cues are the platinum gray single-frame grille with its galvanized double bars in an aluminum-look finish, the roof spoiler and the modified bumpers. The high-gloss package and the aluminum-look exterior mirrors accentuate the area around the windows. Audi offers the new top model in the crystal effect paint finishes Estoril Blue or Panther Black. The body includes a high proportion of ultra-high-strength steels, making it very light, safe and rigid.

As is typical for an S model, the interior has black trim and exudes a sporty elegance. The headlining is optionally available in lunar silver. The power-adjustable sport seats come standard in Pearl Nappa leather/Alcantara. Leather upholstery in a choice of four colors is available as an option. Brushed aluminum inlays are standard. Options include Carbon Atlas, Piano finish and the new Aluminum/Beaufort wood black trim panels.

The instrument dials are gray and include a 3D-design S badge, the needles are white and the pedals and shift paddles have an aluminum-look finish. Additional visual highlights in the interior are the S gear lever knob, the S badges on the door sill trims, the start button and the specially-shaped steering wheel, the S welcome screen and the lighting package. Luggage capacity is as much as 1,560 liters (55.09 cu ft), making the SQ5 TDI the ideal car for sporty and active customers. It is also an unusually powerful towing vehicle, with a rated towing capacity of up to 2.4 metric tons (5,291.09 lb).

The Audi SQ5 TDI will roll into dealerships the first quarter of 2013, with prices starting at €58,500. Customers can also choose to have it equipped with Audi's state-of-the-art assistance and infotainment systems as well as Audi connect services.

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I'm glad Audi offers some diesels, in the Q7 and soon in the A6 and A8. Cars like the A4 and this Q5 need it too.
The Q5 should have been sold here from the beginning with the smaller VW TDI engine...a luxury crossover getting 35+mpg would have been a hit and would have been in my garage. It's about time for Audi to put a diesel in its small CUV rather than just in the Q7.

The face-lift really cleaned up and sharpened the overall looks of this car, I would like to see it with any of the different "S/RS" wheels Audi offers. Nevertheless, I agree with the majority of the comments on here, it is a drag how VAG is so anti-North America, regulations or not. I still cannot get over the Scirocco case.

32.67 mpg combined on the Euro test cycle would mean something like ~25 mpg combined on the American test. Which is still good for a vehicle of this size and power. Still, I doubt the engine would pass US (particularly in CARB states) emissions standards, which is why VAG won't bring it over. If I remember right, current Euro emissions rules let diesels put out ~6 times or so more NOx than the CARB rules currently allow.

SQ5? Surely it's easier to simply call Q5S. What's next, calling the highest power one QRSTUVWX5? Q-RS(RennSport)-T(turbocharged)-UV(utility vehicle)-w(wagen)-x(because all cool cars have the mysterious letter in them)-5. I would like (LOVE) to see this engine in an S5. If it could make a much taller and heavier Q5 do 0-60 in a conservative 5 seconds, what would it do to a relatively lithe luxury coupe? Or just go bonkers and shove the engine in a TT. Or even an A1.